Trifold carrying case for portable electronic devices

ABSTRACT

The disclosure concerns a trifold carrying case that holds and contains in a displayable and useable fashion, a mobile cell phone device, portable music player, or other type of portable electronic device. The trifold carrying case is configured to allow a user to easily access and fashionably display the portable electronic device, and further allows use of the portable electronic device without having to remove it from the trifold carrying case, or even open the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 62/302,223, filed Mar. 2, 2016; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to protective carrying cases for portable electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and the like; and more particularly, to a trifold protective carrying case for a portable electronic device that is configured to allow a user to utilize the function of the device, including but not limited to: voice communication, emailing, texting, using social media, surfing the internet, and listening to music, with the device being configured within the protective carrying case, and the protective carrying case being in either an open state or in a closed state.

Description of the Related Art

Use of portable electronic devices, such as, for example, mobile cell phones, tablet PC's, and other personal handheld electronic devices is ubiquitous worldwide. The popularity of these devices has soared as they become available to a wide range of individuals across a wide range of ages and socio-economic levels. It is common to see people of all ages and cultural backgrounds carrying such electronic devices and almost always, the devices are contained in a carrier or case (“protective carrying case” or “case”) to protect the device from falls or spills. Some cases merely offer protection as an outer shell. Other cases envelop the entire device so that the screen on the device is not exposed.

Often, a device is protected by a case and then transported in a larger carrier such as a purse, backpack, or tote bag, or even a pocket. All such means of transport are not ideal as putting the device in a larger carrier may result in an inability to quickly and efficiently locate the device once placed inside. Also, once the phone is in a carrier or pocket, the screen is not easily viewed, if at all, and the device is essentially unusable unless and until removed from the carrier for access.

Therefore, there is a need for a protective carrying case that effectively, uniquely, and fashionably can carry a handheld electronic device in a manner allowing one who is carrying the device to continue to use the screen on the electronic device, and while providing the protection a protective carrying case affords.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a trifold carrying case that holds and contains in a displayable and useable fashion, a portable electronic device, such as for example, a mobile cell phone, tablet, portable music player or other type of portable electronic device. The trifold carrying case is configured to allow a user to easily access and fashionably display the portable electronic device, and further allows use of the portable electronic device without having to remove it from the trifold carrying case, or even open the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows, in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment, a front view of a trifold carrying case for protectively storing a portable electronic device, the trifold carrying case being configured such that the contained device may be used with the device housed therein, and with the case in either an open or closed configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a left-rear perspective view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a right-rear perspective view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows the inside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows the outside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a left view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein a securing element is closed.

FIG. 13 shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein a securing element is open.

FIG. 14 shows the inside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows the trifold carrying case in accordance with the second illustrated embodiment, wherein the device pocket is extended at the hinge.

FIG. 16 shows the trifold carrying case having a shoulder strap for added style and portability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments, including certain variations or alternative combinations that depart from these details and descriptions yet arrive at substantially similar results.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “portable electronic device” means any cell phone, tablet PC, music player, or other electronic device that includes at least a screen portion or control interface and which is portable and configured to be carried by a person.

In a general embodiment, a trifold carrying case for a portable electronic device is provided which integrates a device pocket for receiving a portable electronic device therein. The trifold carrying case includes a screen aperture disposed at a rear surface of the wallet, the screen aperture is configured to expose the screen portion of the enclosed portable electronic device such that a user may view and utilize the device while enclosed within the carrying case; that is, without removing the device prior to use thereof. Other features and advantages are detailed below.

The device pocket may include a soft pocket made from a fabric or leather, which may be fixed about an inside surface of the carrying case. In an alternative embodiment, the device pocket may comprise a rigid pocket made from a molded plastic, wood, or other rigid material. Moreover, the soft or rigid pocket may be hinged about the inside surface of the carrying case as shown herein.

Now turning to a first illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, a trifold carrying case 100 for a portable electronic device is shown. The trifold carrying case 100 comprises a flap panel 101 coupled to a first side of a center panel 102 at a first hinge 104, and further comprises a terminal panel 103 coupled a second side of the center panel 102 at a second hinge 105 wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The terminal panel and flap panel are configured to fold about the first and second hinges, such that the flap panel is configured to overlap and secure with the terminal panel to close the trifold carrying case. When the flap panel and terminal panel are folded about the first and second hinges as shown in FIG. 1, the carrying case is said to be in a “closed configuration”.

Each of the flap panel 101, center panel 102, and terminal panel 103 form the carrier. The carrier may be fabricated from one or more layers of fabric or leather, or of a similar material.

One of the panels of the trifold carrying case, preferably the terminal panel in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, may include a camera aperture 106 as shown in FIG. 1, which illustrates the carrying case from a front view.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the trifold carrying case, wherein a screen aperture 107 is shown. The screen aperture is configured to expose a screen portion of a portable electronic device once inserted and enclosed within the case. Also shown is the center panel 102 which is connected to each of the flap panel and terminal panel by the first and second hinges, respectively. The screen aperture 107 may optionally further include (i) a first notch 108 for exposing a control button or other feature of a portable electronic device, and/or (ii) a second notch 109 for exposing a front-facing camera or other feature of a portable electronic device.

FIG. 3 shows a left-rear perspective view of the carrying case 100 in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. Each of the screen aperture 107, first notch 108, second notch 109, center panel 102, and first hinge 104 are further illustrated from another angle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the trifold carrying case. As shown, the trifold carrying case may comprise a first layer 111 and second layer 112 attached together by stitching 110, or other suitable attachment means known to those with skill in the art, which forms each of the flap panel, center panel, terminal panel and first and second hinges therebetween.

The trifold carrying case may further comprise corner slots 114 for securely cradling the portable electronic device when enclosed within the device pocket, and sub-element apertures 113 a; 113 b; and 113 c for exposing a speaker of an enclosed device, a port associated with a device, or other portion of an enclosed device.

FIG. 5 shows a right-rear perspective view of the carrying case 100 in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. Each of the screen aperture 107, first notch 108, second notch 109, center panel 102, and second hinge 105 are further illustrated from another angle.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the trifold carrying case, including a securing element 115, which is illustrated as a planar strap extending from the center panel and configured to removeably engage the pocket for securing the portable electronic device therein. The securing element may include a chain, loop, or other element (not shown) that would be appreciated by those with skill in the art.

Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is the stitching 110 which binds the first and second layers 111; 112, respectively, and the camera aperture 106.

Each of FIG. 1 thru FIG. 6 shows the trifold carrying case being configured in the closed state. However, so that a review may further appreciate the disclosed invention, FIG. 7 thru FIG. 13 further illustrate the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment and configured in an “open configuration”.

Now turning to FIG. 7, an inside of the trifold carrying case is shown. The trifold carrying case comprises one or more first slots 116 a; 116 b coupled to an inside surface of the terminal panel 103; and one or more second slots coupled to an inside surface of the device pocket (which is shown being connected to the center panel). The trifold carrying case may comprise one or more viewing slots 117 which are formed of a transparent material, such as a plastic film, such that a card may be viewed while inserted within the viewing slot 117.

The device pocket 120 is shown having a camera notch 118 such that a camera of the portable electronic device may not be obstructed. Each of the flap panel 101, securing element 115, camera aperture 106, first hinge 104 and second hinge 105 are further shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates an outside surface of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment and being configured in the open configuration. Here, the flap panel 101, center panel 102, terminal panel 103, first hinge 104, second hinge 105, screen aperture 107, first notch 108, second notch 109, stitching 110, and securing element 115 are shown from a unique perspective.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows a left view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein the securing element 115 is closed. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein the securing element 115 is open. Further shown are attachment features 130 a; 130 b, which may be individually selected from a magnet, metal plate, Velcro, or other component known to those having skill in the art to form a removeable attachment such that the securing element 115 is configured to removeably attach with the device pocket 120.

FIG. 14 shows the inside of a trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. Here, the case includes a rigid device pocket 220 secured to an inside surface of the case at pocket hinge 221. The rigid device pocket 220 may comprise a shell having five sides configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device. The rigid device pocket may comprise a camera notch 118 silar to that shown in FIG. 7, or may alternatively include a second camera aperture 222 therein, as shown. Other features of the trifold carrying case are similar to that described above concerning the first illustrated embodiment; for example, flap panel 101, securing element 115, camera aperture 106, first slots 116, viewing slot 117, first hinge 104, and second hinge 105.

FIG. 14 further shows an optional attachment feature 130 c which can be embedded or attached to the flap panel for configuring a removeable attachment between the flap panel 101 and terminal panel 103. Those having skill in the art will appreciated that a corresponding attachment feature will be implemented into the terminal panel (not shown) such that the flap panel will be configured for removeable attachment therewith.

FIG. 15 shows the trifold carrying case in accordance with the second illustrated embodiment, wherein the device pocket 220 is extended at the pocket hinge 221.

FIG. 16 shows the trifold carrying case 100 having a shoulder strap 300 attached therewith for added style and portability.

Now, while the invention has been disclosed in order to enable those with skill in art to make the trifold carrying case, it should be recognized by the same that other features and variations may be similar implemented without undue experimentation in order to achieve the same or substantially similar results. Accordingly, the instant disclosure is intended to be enabling only, and not limiting in any way with regard to the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A trifold carrying case for use with a portable electronic device, the trifold carrying case comprising: a planar foldable carrier including a flap panel coupled to a first side of a center panel at a first hinge, and a terminal panel coupled to a second side of the center panel at a second hinge, the second side being opposite the first side; a device pocket coupled to the center panel and configured to receive the portable electronic device therein; characterized in that the trifold carrying case further comprises: a screen aperture extending through said center panel and configured to expose a screen portion of the portable electronic device therethrough; wherein the trifold carrying case is configured to allow viewing and use of the portable electronic device enclosed therein with the case configured in a closed configuration.
 2. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the flap panel is configured to removeably engage with the terminal panel for configuring the trifold carrying case in the closed configuration.
 3. The trifold carrying case of claim 2, wherein the flap panel and terminal panel are configured for said removeable engagement via at least one magnet.
 4. The trifold carrying case of claim 3, wherein said at least one magnet is coupled to the flap panel.
 5. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the center panel further comprises a camera aperture configured to expose a camera associated with the portable electronic device therethrough.
 6. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the screen aperture further comprises a first notch configured to expose a control button associated with the portable electronic device.
 7. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the screen aperture further comprises a second notch configured to expose therethrough a front-facing camera associated with the portable electronic device.
 8. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a securing element extending between the center panel and the device pocket, wherein the securing element is configured to removeably attach with one of the center panel and the device pocket for allowing insertion or removal of the portable electronic device within the device pocket.
 9. The trifold carrying case of claim 8, wherein the securing element comprises a planar strap, chain or loop.
 10. The trifold carrying case of claim 9, wherein the securing element is configured for attachment via one or more attachment features.
 11. The trifold carrying case of claim 10, wherein said attachment features are independently selected from the group consisting of: a magnet, metal plate, and Velcro.
 12. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the planar foldable carrier comprises one or more first slots, the first slots being coupled to an inside surface of the terminal panel.
 13. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the planar foldable carrier comprises one or more second slots, the second slots being coupled to a surface of the device pocket.
 14. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, comprising one or more viewing slots coupled to an inside surface of the planar foldable carrier.
 15. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the device pocket comprises fabric or leather, and is fixed about the center panel of the carrier.
 16. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the device pocket comprises thermoplastic.
 17. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, wherein the device pocket is coupled to the carrier at a pocket hinge extending along one side of the device pocket.
 18. The trifold carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap with a first end coupled to one side of the carrier and a second end of the strap coupled to another side of the carrier opposite the one side. 